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Lung function and blood levels of copper, selenium, vitamin C and vitamin E in the general population

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 59, pages 1043–1048 (2005)Cite this article

Abstract

Background:

Increased dietary intake of antioxidants has been associated with higher lung function, but few studies have used biological markers of antioxidant intake.

Objective:

This study aimed to determine if antioxidant status, as measured by blood levels, influences lung function.

Design:

Using a random subsample of 479 participants, aged 18–65 y old, from a larger cross-sectional observational study, the association of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) with plasma copper, vitamin C, vitamin E and serum selenium was assessed.

Results:

An s.d. increase in blood copper level was associated with a difference in FEV1 of −48 ml (95% confidence intervals: −95, −2 ml, P=0.04), vitamin C +49 ml (+4, +94, P=0.03), vitamin E −15 ml (−62, +32, P=0.53) and selenium +52 ml (+7, +96, P=0.02). The sizes of association were not appreciably altered in a mutually adjusted model.

Conclusions:

Higher levels of serum vitamin C and selenium appear to be associated with higher FEV1. The association between higher serum copper and lower FEV1 requires further study in view of the ubiquitous exposure to this mineral.

Sponsorship:

National Asthma Campaign and British Lung Foundation.

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Acknowledgements

The study was funded by the British Lung Foundation and the National Asthma Campaign.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Respiratory Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham City Hospital, Nottingham, UK

    P Pearson, S A Lewis & A Fogarty

  2. Division of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham City Hospital, Nottingham, UK

    J Britton & T McKeever

  3. Channing Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

    S Weiss

  4. Institute of Lung Health, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, UK

    I Pavord

Authors
  1. P Pearson
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  2. J Britton
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  3. T McKeever
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  4. S A Lewis
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  5. S Weiss
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  6. I Pavord
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  7. A Fogarty
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to A Fogarty.

Additional information

Guarantor: A Fogarty.

Contributors: JB, IP and SW designed the study. Data collection was by JB and IP. Data analysis was by AF, SL and PP. All authors contributed to the preparation of the manuscript. The authors have no personal interests in the organisations that funded the research.

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Pearson, P., Britton, J., McKeever, T. et al. Lung function and blood levels of copper, selenium, vitamin C and vitamin E in the general population. Eur J Clin Nutr 59, 1043–1048 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602209

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602209

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